My view: David Cameron on local newspapers

First there was the radio, then television, now of course, the internet.

But despite all these challenges, they continue to play a vital role and that’s testament to the extraordinary creativity and versatility of all those people who work in local media.

Local newspapers are hugely important to our country – for two good reasons.

First, they strengthen our democracy, holding the powerful to account.

Whereas national newspapers can focus on the bigger picture, it’s local papers that often really analyse the detail of what central and local government is doing and the impact their policies have
on the ground.

In the weeks and months ahead, I expect local papers to continue to scrutinise everything this government does in their area and act as a voice for their readers.

Second, local papers are hugely important in helping to build a bigger, stronger society.

There is a massive gap between the state on the one hand, and the individual on the other, and local papers help fill the space in between, galvanising readers into action.

That could be by campaigning on local issues, highlighting local clubs, groups, businesses and societies and encouraging people to get involved, or championing local people who are playing their
part to make their community a better place.

By shining a spotlight on this good work, local papers persuade others to do more – and I want to see more of it.

That’s why I would like to take this opportunity, as we celebrate Local Newspaper Week, to ask local newspapers and you, their readers, to show off even more of the great work taking place in your
community and nominate your local heroes for the Government’s Big Society Awards.

There have been 16 winners to date, recognising the remarkable work going on in towns and cities up and down the country, by all kinds of organisations from large enterprises to tiny grassroots
schemes and inspirational individuals.

This week, I am hosting a reception for the first round of award winners in Downing Street.

I hope that in the months ahead I’ll be able to meet and hear about many more of the people making such a valuable contribution to their community.

Comments (3)

Quite right, local newspapers and the Warrington Guardian in particular are an essential source of news and information for the community in and around Warrington. Although there must have been substantial pressure on printed circulation, they have responded by creating a fantastic on-line and interactive news source, linked to facebook, which can be updated and viewed instantly. Local newspapers are invaluable to groups like ours, who need to get our message to other people in the community. Well said DC. Well done Warrington Guardian

Quite right, local newspapers and the Warrington Guardian in particular are an essential source of news and information for the community in and around Warrington. Although there must have been substantial pressure on printed circulation, they have responded by creating a fantastic on-line and interactive news source, linked to facebook, which can be updated and viewed instantly. Local newspapers are invaluable to groups like ours, who need to get our message to other people in the community. Well said DC. Well done Warrington Guardiancleanupmycommunity-warrington

I'm from Wirral originally, but now live in Knutsford, and I read the Knutsford Guardian religiously - but also pinch my mum and dad's Wirral Globe when I'm visiting!
Love both websites as well. One thing I'd love to see return to the Globe though, is Cyril the Wirral Squirrel! What a legend!

I'm from Wirral originally, but now live in Knutsford, and I read the Knutsford Guardian religiously - but also pinch my mum and dad's Wirral Globe when I'm visiting!
Love both websites as well. One thing I'd love to see return to the Globe though, is Cyril the Wirral Squirrel! What a legend!Lady Katherine

It is vital that local journalism is supported, the advent of online news serves to broaden the and stabilise the localised media offerings and reach an even wider audience.

Without local papers, local news is lost, local voices go unheard, local governments go unchallenged... buy a local paper and support it.

It is vital that local journalism is supported, the advent of online news serves to broaden the and stabilise the localised media offerings and reach an even wider audience.
Without local papers, local news is lost, local voices go unheard, local governments go unchallenged... buy a local paper and support it.pressglue